In 2006, about 7.5 million people visited the doctor's office with shoulder pain. Most of this pain is due to repetitive, chronic and overhead activities such as weight lifting. The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the entire body. Ligamentous stability is lacking compared with that in other joints in the body and must rely on the muscles surrounding the joint for stabilization. Three types of shoulder injuries can occur with weight lifting.
Biceps Tendinitis
The biceps tendon lies in the bicipital groove between the lesser and greater tubercle of the humerus. When the biceps brachii is overused during overhead movements, the sheath surrounding the tendon begins to become inflamed. Associated symptoms with biceps tendinitis are decreased strength, decreased range of motion and pain. Another cause of this injury can be attributed to rotator cuff dysfunction. Biceps tendinitis and rotator cuff impingement will often occur simultaneously.
Rotator Cuff Impingement Syndrome
The rotator cuff is comprised of four muscles: the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and supscapularis. Combined, these muscles are the stabilizers of the shoulder. Unfortunately, the rotator cuff tendons receive poor blood supply, which inhibits the healing process. The supraspinatus tendon passes through a small area called the subacromial space. The narrowing of this area leads to inflammation and subsequently impingement. The inflammation usually occurs at two spots, the subacromial bursa and the supraspinatus tendon.
Instability
There are four types of instability of the glenohumeral joint: anterior, inferior, posterior and multidirectional. Instability happens when ligamentous and capsular structures have increased laxity. When instability is combined with decreased strength, dislocation or subluxation may occur. The majority of these injuries are anterior and/or inferior. Improper techniques, extreme overhead movements and lifting heavy weights give rise to shoulder instability.
References
- AAOS
- Evaluation of Orthopedic and Athletic Injuries, 2nd edition; Chad Starkey, Jeff Ryan; 2002
- Journal of Athletic Training; Injury Rates and Profiles of Elite Competitive Weightlifters; Gregg Calhoon MS, ATC; Andrew C. Fry, PhD, CSCS; 1999
